Violence against women — including rape, murder and sexual harassment — remains stubbornly high in countries rich and poor, at war and at peace. One recent study found that domestic violence against women and children alone costs the global economy $4 trillion.

Initially facing 20 years in prison under Florida's "10-20-life" rule, Marissa Alexander's case focused national attention on the treatment of domestic abuse survivors by the justice system, particularly women of color, as well as Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing laws.